Wilmington man finds dream job

A couple of weeks ago News Channel 3 reported that national unemployment numbers were at a 15 year high, and locally we were seeing a similar trend. We met one Wilmington man who had recently lost his job and was searching for another.

Even when Michael Lunsford was working, he didn’t make much, so his family was staying at a local shelter. But there is a glimmer of hope in all this.

“There’s always going to be doubt as to if your going to be able to pay bills especially if you have a family,” Lundsford told us.

Getting laid off was a devastating blow in Michael Lunsford’s already difficult life. But luckily for him, there was a group there to help. The non-profit Phoenix Employment Ministry helped him tailor his resume to find a job doing what he really loves.

Three weeks ago Michael Lunsford was making ends meet by delivering printing materials. Now he is working at Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant, not only making ends meet, but loving his job.

“The best thing you can do is just start your day out, whatever you do, whatever makes you happy, whatever makes you motivated – just keep going and knocking on those doors and something should open for you.”

“What put him over the top the most was the fact that he was so persistent,” said Hieronymus owner Skip Hames. “He just came by everyday and we were like he was persistent getting the job then he’ll be persistent at the workplace.

Throughout it all, Lunsford kept his head held high, and now has some words of advice to others who might find themselves in a tough situation.

“Be patient be persistent and be positive and everyone has the right to happiness,” he said.

Lunsford said he is honored to be working at Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant and hopes to continue working there for years to come.